King Abdullah II of Jordan visited Arlington on Saturday, meeting with Mayor Jim Ross ahead of his country’s FIFA World Cup match against Argentina at AT&T Stadium, known during the tournament as Dallas Stadium.
The visit highlighted Arlington’s role as a World Cup host city and included discussions about strengthening the Jordan-U.S. partnership and expanding cooperation across key sectors, according to a news release from the city.
Mayor Ross welcomed the king during the city’s World Cup festivities. In a public Facebook post, he wrote: “This afternoon I had the distinct pleasure of meeting His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan during his visit to Arlington for the FIFA World Cup. It was an honor to welcome a world leader to our city as fans from around the globe gather here for tonight’s match between Jordan and Argentina. Moments like these remind us that Arlington truly is on the world stage, bringing people together through sport, friendship, and shared experiences. Best of luck to both teams tonight, and welcome to Arlington!”
The king’s stop coincided with the final day of the free three-day “Visit Jordan Experience” cultural festival at Levitt Pavilion in downtown Arlington. Hosted in partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board, the event featured public viewings of World Cup matches, live entertainment, authentic Jordanian cuisine, a street bazaar, family activities, and immersive exhibits showcasing Jordan’s heritage and hospitality. The festival celebrated Jordan’s historic first appearance in the FIFA World Cup.
Jordan faced Argentina later that evening at the stadium in what marked one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage. The royal visit underscored the global attention on North Texas as a host for the 2026 tournament and the cultural exchange it has brought to the region.
Arlington officials have emphasized the economic and community benefits of hosting World Cup events, including increased tourism and international visibility for the city.
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